The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
East Neuk of Fife holiday letting firms acquired
RENTAL: Elie Letting and East Fife Letting Company purchased by Strathspey Capital
Two holiday lettings businesses in the East Neuk of Fife have been acquired by an investment firm.
Strathspey Capital has bought Elie Letting and The East Fife Letting Company which together have around 150 properties under management.
The Fife firms will now trade under a new company formed by Strathspey called East Fife Holiday Homes Ltd.
Strathspey Capital’s chief executive Douglas Weir said the group will continue to look for investment opportunities.
He said: “This is a strategic move into the holiday lettings market, which is growing and fragmenting each year.
“Our current businesses complement these acquisitions nicely, enabling us to apply our skills, knowledge and understanding of property management to holiday lettings.
“As we integrate these businesses into our portfolio, we will continue to seek out fresh acquisition opportunities as part of our wider plan to grow our presence in the holiday lettings space.”
The two previous owners of the businesses, Sally Pattullo of Elie Letting and Sue Griffiths of The East Fife Letting Company, have both decided to retire.
In a joint statement they said: “In selling our businesses we were determined to find a buyer who shared our customer service ethos.
“Our owners and guests have enjoyed total focus and commitment from us over the years, underpinned by honest, traditional values. We are delighted that Strathspey have taken them on.”
Debbie Rummens has been named as a director of East Fife Holiday Homes, which is based in Elie High Street. She will run the business alongside the existing staff of the previous businesses, all of whom have transferred to the newly merged company.
She said: “It is important that we maximise the occupancy of the properties we manage, in conjunction with our owners’ requirements, throughout the seasons.
“Local communities benefit enormously from holidaymakers in the area and we’re keen to ensure that we maximise these benefits not just at peak season but throughout the year.
“It is a great privilege to take on this role and I look forward to working with staff, owners and guests alike.”
Strathspey is looking to further expand its holiday lettings division by a combination of organic and acquisitive growth.